NYPD Department officers fatally shot a 19-year-old man who was armed with scissors. The incident occurred following the death of Officer Jonathan Diller.
During a press conference held on Wednesday afternoon, the NYPD provided details about a shooting incident that occurred around 1:40 p.m. in the Ozone Park neighborhood of New York City.
(Photo : David Dee Delgado/Getty Images)
While conducting a routine traffic check in Far Rockaway, Queens, New York City, Officer Jonathan Diller, 31, died. This time, this tragedy took the New York Police Department by shock.
The tragedy happened on Monday night, leaving the city in mourning and reigniting concerns about how law enforcement handles mental health emergencies.
The incident began when a terrified mother called 911 in a panic, saying that her 19-year-old son was acting strangely and going through a serious mental health crisis.
Authorities say that this conversation was the starting point for a number of incidents that quickly spiraled out of control and into danger.
During a press conference that followed, New York Police Department (NYPD) Chief of Patrol John Chell called the occurrences that were taking place "hectic, chaotic, and dangerous". This description highlighted the seriousness of the current situation facing law enforcement.
A dedicated member of the Queens Community Response Team of the New York Police Department, Officer Diller found himself at the center of this escalating violence. On Monday, just before six o'clock in the evening, he encountered 31-year-old Win Rozario while carrying out a routine traffic stop. Unfortunately, his mental health issues were disregarded due to the strain of the circumstances, according to CBS News.
Read Also: Diddy At Center Of 'Creepy' Video With Young Justin Bieber, Following Human Trafficking Raid
NY Cop Jonathan Diller's Death
Witnesses described an instant escalation of the situation, with shots fired a short while after the police approached Rozario's car. Even though Officer Diller claimed to have made many valiant attempts to disarm Rozario, he was seriously hurt during the gunfight.
The horrible tragedy was seen by spectators and locals alike, who recoiled in terror and fear as they watched the sorrowful scene emerge on the lively Mott Haven Avenue.
CBS New York was able to gather cellphone footage of the violent aftermath. During the turmoil around them, the video shows police rushing to Diller's help.
Following his transfer to Jamaica Hospital, Diller died of his injuries, leaving behind a bereaved family consisting of his wife and young kid, as well as a community that mourned the death of one of its own. Diller died in spite of the emergency personnel's quick response.
Concerns over the circumstances surrounding Rozario's behavior and the response of law enforcement have been raised at a time when the city is finding it hard to come to terms with the tragic passing of Officer Diller.
Politicians and activists have called for a thorough inquiry into a number of incidents that preceded this grief tragedy, raising concerns about how law enforcement authorities handle mental health situations.
Public Advocate Jumaane Williams expressed his concerns about the incident and underlined the need for accountability and openness in the wake of it.
Williams said something that showed how important it is to take appropriate action in particularly difficult situations. He stated that "Someone who is calling for assistance because they are going through a mental health crisis should get a response that addresses the mental health crisis," Daily News reported.
Related Article: Horrific Moment NYPD Cop Jonathan Diller Fatally Shot in Traffic Stop Caught on Video
